St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating a landmark moment in its legal and national history — the 50th anniversary of the call to the Bar of Sir Clare K. Roberts, KCN, KC, a towering figure whose career has shaped the legal, human rights, and governance landscape of the nation and the wider Caribbean.

On October 14, 1975, Sir Clare stood before the court alongside the late His Excellency Conrad Richards, former High Commissioner to Canada, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most distinguished legal careers in the region. Five decades later, his influence continues to echo through the laws, institutions, and people he has inspired.

A Legal Pioneer and Nation Builder

Sir Clare’s contributions to public service and the rule of law are woven into Antigua and Barbuda’s modern history. As the nation’s first formally trained Legislative Draftsman and later as Parliamentary Counsel, he helped lay the foundation for legislative development during the early years of independence.

He went on to serve as Attorney General of Antigua and Barbuda, and later held the same office in both the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat, earning a reputation for fairness, precision, and vision. Among his enduring legislative achievements are the Status of Children Act, which ended the legal distinction between children born in and out of wedlock, the Companies Act of 1995, which modernized the corporate framework, and the Merchant Shipping Act, which strengthened maritime administration.

Even now, Sir Clare remains at the forefront of reform as the lead drafter of a new Mental Health Bill, designed to ensure dignity, care, and protection for those facing mental health challenges — a cause close to his heart.

A Legacy of Leadership and Learning

In 1986, Sir Clare founded Roberts & Co., Attorneys-at-Law, which has since become one of the Caribbean’s most respected law firms. Today, the firm is proudly led by his daughter C. Kamilah Roberts, with Andrea Roberts Nicholas (his niece) and Safiya Roberts (his daughter) as partners — continuing the family tradition of excellence and service.

Sir Clare’s influence extends well beyond national borders. For eight years, he served as Commissioner and later President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States (OAS). During his tenure, he was the first Rapporteur for Afro-Descendants and Against Racism and Racial Discrimination, and also served as Rapporteur for Brazil and Haiti, championing equality, democracy, and human dignity across the Americas.

He also served as a High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, presiding in Anguilla, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Nevis, and Grenada, where his rulings were widely respected for their clarity, fairness, and principled reasoning.

Honours and Humanity

In recognition of his lifelong service, Sir Clare was knighted in 2006 during Antigua and Barbuda’s 25th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The following year, he was appointed to the Inner Bar as Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel), cementing his place among the Caribbean’s legal elite.

Yet, beyond the accolades, Sir Clare remains known for his humility, mentorship, and devotion to justice. He often credits his success to the steadfast support of his beloved wife, Lady Alice Roberts (née Beamish), who has worked alongside him for 45 of his 50 years in law. Together, they have been pillars of service and inspiration within the community.

Clare Roberts and his Wife Mrs Roberts

A Golden Jubilee of Excellence

As Antigua and Barbuda celebrates this golden milestone, tributes have poured in from the legal fraternity, government, and civil society — all recognizing a man whose life’s work has transformed laws, advanced human rights, and shaped the moral fabric of his nation.

“Sir Clare Roberts stands as a living testament to the ideals of justice, fairness, and service,” said one senior jurist. “His contribution to law and humanity has enriched not just Antigua and Barbuda, but the entire Caribbean region.”

From legislative reform to judicial leadership and international diplomacy, Sir Clare’s 50 years at the Bar embody the spirit of excellence that defines Antigua and Barbuda’s legal tradition.

Congratulations to Sir Clare K. Roberts, KCN, KC — Fifty years of distinguished service to law, justice, and humanity.

SIDEBAR: Milestones in a Distinguished Career